Autumn is all about changing colours, natural beauty and temperate weather, making it the best time to get out and explore Australia’s unique flora.
From famous lookouts to vibrant foliage and laneway treats, check out the top things to see and do when visiting Melbourne in Autumn.
Royal Botanic Gardens
Embrace the autumn colours and wander over 38 hectares of beautiful scenery at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Home to more than 8,500 species of plants from around the world, you’ll find unique and rare flora from every biome including rainforests, deserts, and savannas.
Each day, passionate guides run free tours to teach visitors all about the diverse plants that make this sanctuary so special, answering any burning questions along the way. The Aboriginal Heritage Walk, led by an Indigenous guide, helps you learn about Aboriginal plant uses, customs, and the ongoing connection to Country. It is the perfect way to discover more about this important cultural site.
After a long day of exploring, make sure to stop in at the Observatory Kiosk for a delicious drink while the kids play around in the children’s garden.
Dandenong Ranges
Just one hour’s drive from Melbourne, known for its lush foliage, rugged mountains and charming villages, is the Dandenong Ranges. Here, you can live out your own personal fairytale. Take the open-sided Puffing Billy steam train between the charming towns of Belgrave, Lakeside and Gembrook, soaking in the orange and brown foliage of Spring.
To immerse yourself further in nature, head to the Dandenong Ranges National Park. The famous 1000 steps walk, officially known as the Kokoda Track memorial walk, is a bucket list hike for outdoor enthusiasts. After ascending the steep trail, you’ll be greeted with unbeatable views of the treetops and nearby cities.
Other highlights include the Ferntree Gully Picnic Area, perfect for a homemade lunch, Sherbrooke Falls, and the Mt Dandenong Arboretum. Make sure to check out the Doongalla Homestead site too, a beautiful mansion built in 1892 that has since burnt down, leaving a historic site for visitors to wander through.
Fitzroy Gardens
Originally laid out in 1859, this historic garden contains wide paths surrounded by towering trees, bushes, and a watercourse. There are many historic buildings to explore, including the Conservatory, which features an incredible floral display changed five times a year to reflect the season.
As you explore the grounds, you will also come across the Model Tudor Village, and the Fairies Tree, which contains a series of carvings depicting fairies, dwarves, gnomes and Australian animals on the stump. It was carved by Ola Cohn, who took three years to carve her design into the ancient Red Gum as a gift to the children of the city.
Melbourne laneways
Melbourne’s vibrant cultural scene is perhaps best embodied in the street art, cosy cafes and chic bars that make up the many hidden laneways of this artsy city.
Walking down Hosier Lane, you will discover the best of Melbourne’s street art. From stencils to murals and stickers, local artists love to make their mark on this famous street, with so many vibrant colours and shapes you’ll have to snap a photo.
For hole-in-the-wall restaurants, boutique shops and street art, head to Centre Place. Walking over blue cobblestones, you’ll discover jewellery and clothes to mark any occasion. At quirky Jungle Juice, you can enjoy smooth coffee, fresh squeezed juices and bagels, while at ShanDong MaMa it’s all about handmade dumplings, including the special mackerel-filled dumplings.
Melbourne is famous for its coffee, known as one of the best coffee cities in the world. When wandering the lanes, you’ll always find cafes and roasters happy to whip up a delicious brew just for you.
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival
From 21-30 March this year, Australia’s biggest celebration of food and wine will return for a program of more than 400 events featuring the best chefs and producers in the country. From markets to workshops and cooking classes, there’s something to satisfy every foodie this Autumn.
Kick off the fun at the World’s Longest Lunch. Sit down at a winding table that’s more than 600 metres long, and enjoy a three-course meal designed by world-famous chef, Curtis Stone. Pair your dishes with wine, beer and coffee from some of Australia’s best producers, and take your palate to a whole new world.
Other standout events include a blend your own whisky class with Archie Rose, a pop-up Austro-Hungarian wine tavern, an afternoon with Tony Tan from Flower Drum, and an Okayama Japanese breakfast.
To discover 8 amazing Indian restaurants in Melbourne, click here.
